China, Longquan Ware

The rounded shoulders of this vase swell gently from the body. The neck stretches upward and then out in a trumpet-shaped mouth. This elegant form, made of fine clay, is covered in a veil of glaze, producing a charming effect. The brown spot accentuate the fascinating color of the glaze; they appear almost casually placed but their arrangement achieves a subtle balance. Celadons with iron brown spots such as this were created at the Longquan kilns in the fourteenth century, during the Yüan dynasty. Known as tobi seiji in Japan, such wares were particularly treasured among men of tea. The other surviving examples of these rare celadons include a bottle with iron brown spots, a designated national treasure, in the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, and a vase quite similar to the one shown here in the Sir Percival David Collection in the British Museum.

Japan, Arita

Dish, decorated with chrysanthemum and water stream design in overglaze enamels

Edo period, 1660-1670, Porcelain
The chrysanthemums arranged in an arc, the barley leaves curling on the inside, and the water flowing in from the right form a unique pattern and present a rhythmical atmosphere that corresponds to the shape of the dish. The Kakiemon style, which excels in colorful overglaze painting on a white ground, materialized at the beginning of the Edo period. This dish dates from the initial stage and is notable for its high degree of perfection.

Japan, Hagi

Tea Bowl, Hagi ware

Edo period, 17th century, Pottery
The cracks visible all over the bowl are crackles caused by the sudden change of temperature when the bowl is removed from the kiln and the difference in the degree of contraction between the clay and the glaze. Though trifling in amount, water permeates these crackles, affects the clay over the years, and brings about changes in the color tone. Being highly absorbent, the clay employed in Hagi ware shows marked changes, which are referred to as “nanabake (seven transformations)” and favored as an attractive feature.

China

Chinese Tea Caddy, in the bunrin style, named "Takarabukuro"

Second half of 13th century - 14th century, Pottery
Compared to the plump body gently rounding out from the small mouth, the bottom is tightly tapered. It is small in size and looks as if it might fall over. Likening its charming shape to an apple, this type is called a bunrin chaire. Although it is not clear when it arrived in Japan, this tea caddy was imported from China and prized as a karamono (Chinese object) in the tea ceremony.

China, Longquan Ware

Long-necked Vase, celadon

12th - 13th century, Porcelain
This type of vase with a long neck stretching straight out of the body and accented with a linear design is likened to bamboo joints and referred to as “bamboo-shape” in Japan. Made in a Longquan kiln in Zhejiang province, China, this type of celadon was appreciated in Japan and quite a few works were imported. Among them, this vase is characterized by its thin mouth that opens out horizontally and the body that swells flatly as if in concert with the mouth.